I listened to the audio of Jack Gantos' book DEAD END IN NORVELT, read by the author himself.  This was funny, and historical.  I loved Miss Volker, the spit-fire old lady who Jack helps write obituaries for the last remaining Norvelters.  Kids will empathize with the summer with no fun and being grounded!  Jack Gantos did a terrific reading!  You'll laugh out loud!